Lemon Water Tonic – A Miracle? Seems that way!

I have to start out by telling you flat out that this tonic is pretty darn amazing. I feel the need to shout it from the rooftops because my results after drinking this tonic for about 6 months have been pretty life changing. In my opinion, it’s a miracle drink – I can say that since I’m not trying to sell it to you. 😉

I’ve had gastric issues for about 6 years now, and nothing ever helped me. I saw so many doctors and did so many tests to see what was wrong with me – I’ll be paying off those bills for quite a while! What a waste – the results didn’t tell me anything helpful.

I had a laundry list of symptoms that were unexplained, so I started going to a nutritionist. I went to her monthly for a couple of years to gently detox my system from heavy metals and other environmental toxins. She taught me about making healthier food choices, and why whole foods and whole food supplements were important. I felt somewhat better, but still had many unexplained symptoms.

When I first started making this drink, I only used warm water with a fresh-squeezed lemon, honey and apple cider vinegar. I drank it every morning before my breakfast for a couple of months. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was helping my gastric issues. But since I had read so many wonderful things about lemon water, I knew that if I kept drinking it I would benefit from it eventually. I learned that raw, unfiltered honey has the most health benefits, so I started using that instead of the cheap-o kind I was using (think plastic bottle in the shape of a bear….horrible). Then, I read that adding baking soda to lemon water has even more health benefits, even cancer prevention, so I started adding that to my drink.

All I can say is WOW! I sure noticed some changes. I no longer had excessive gas after every meal. I wasn’t bloating as often. I wasn’t burping as much throughout the day (I would literally burp every couple of minutes). I also noticed that I didn’t have explosive bouts of diarrhea (sorry, TMI?) after eating ice cream or pizza. My skin is clearer (but I also use Arbonne’s anti-aging skin care, which has something to do with that!), and I haven’t gotten sick in a while. (UPDATE: It’s now 2 years later, and I can’t even remember the last time I got sick. It’s built up my immune system a ton.)

I also now take digestive enzymes with every meal, to help my stomach break down the food. And I take very good quality supplements from a company I represent. I know that everything I’ve said have played their own part in my current wellness vs. 6 years ago.

I always recommend this lemon tonic to anyone who tells me that they have digestive issues. I will probably drink this tonic for as long as I live. Even if you don’t have stomach issues, there are so many other health benefits (listed below) that it doesn’t hurt to try it for yourself. If you are consistent and drink this tonic every single morning before breakfast, you will notice changes eventually. Still a skeptic? Google “lemon honey water” and read on! There are so many great articles by doctors and health and wellness practitioners praising lemon water.

So, you’re probably wondering, “Why lemon, honey, baking soda and apple cider vinegar? What makes them so special?” I have gathered some information and compiled it all here:

Goodness in the Lemon

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which enhances beauty by rejuvenating the skin from the inside. It helps in weight loss, and is a very alkaline fruit (once it is in the body – otherwise it is acidic).

Honey is a great source of good carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids. Honey contains small amounts of the B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. It also contains vitamin C, and the minerals calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, selenium, chromium and manganese. The darker the honey, the greater antioxidants. Honey also contains organic acids such as acetic, butanoic, formic, citric, succinic, lactic, malic, pyroglutamic and gluconic acids, and a number of aromatic acids.

Goodness in the Apple Cider Vinegar

(This will knock your socks off!) I use Bragg’s organic ACV, which says “With the Mother” on the front of the bottle. Seriously…you must use Bragg’s – it is the best. All others I’ve tasted are disgusting.

“With the Mother” means that it still contains all of the good stuff, unlike other apple cider vinegars that are void of it. ACV contains pectin, Vitamin C, Vitamins B1, B2 and B6, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and small amounts of minerals like potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. It has a wide range of benefits, such as it: helps stomach troubles, cures hiccups, soothes a sore throat, could lower cholesterol, prevents indigestion, clears a stuffy nose, aids in weight loss, gets rid of dandruff, clears acne, boosts energy, cuts down on nighttime leg cramps, banishes bad breath, whitens teeth, fades bruises, helps control blood sugar. Amazing – and it’s only about $8 for a large bottle at the grocery store!

Goodness in the Baking Soda

Baking Soda isn’t just for baking cookies! When consumed, it works by immediately kicking stomach acid in the face, which then helps relieve heartburn, indigestion and even ulcer pain. When consumed in a lemon tonic, it gets your digestive juices flowing, and will help your stomach in digestion. If that wasn’t enough, it is also known to alkalize the body and help with kidney disease, cancer, athletic performance, skin conditions and can be used in homemade deodorants (RECIPE HERE) and toothpaste (RECIPE HERE).

In Summary, here’s a list of health benefits of this tonic:

Enhances metabolism.

Aids digestion.

Cleanses the intestines, which improves the absorption of nutrients.

Boosts your immune system.

Cleans your urinary tract.

Balances pH levels.

Clears skin.

Promotes healing.

Freshens breath.

Hydrates your lymph system.

Aids in weight loss.

Boosts energy.

I am sure this isn’t even an exhaustive list. But it is a very good start! I feel that everyone should drink this daily, and I hope you will give it a try. If you don’t have all of the ingredients, make sure you at least have water, honey, lemon and ACV. Those are good enough in themselves for boosting your immune system.

MY LEMON WATER TONIC RECIPE

8 oz. warm water

1 fresh-squeezed lemon

1 tsp raw, Bragg’s organic apple cider vinegar

1 Tbs raw, unfiltered, organic honey (the darker the better)

1/2 tsp baking soda (aluminum-free)

First, heat up the water in either a glass or ceramic mug, for 35-40 seconds in the microwave. Next, stir in the honey until it is dissolved. Then you can add in the ACV and baking soda. (**you can toss in some of your favorite essential oils if you’d like!)

The last part is a little tricky. Before you add the lemon juice to the mixture, be forewarned! It can get messy if you don’t slooowly add it in. The baking soda reacts to the acid in the lemon juice and foams up quick!! I’ve had mine spill out onto my counter a few times. If you slowly add the lemon juice, but use a spoon to break up the foam as you continue to pour the lemon juice, you should be alright. I drink it with a stainless steel straw because the acid from the lemon can eat away at your teeth. If you don’t have one, just sip it, but rinse your mouth with water from the faucet after you finish your drink.

So, if any of you start doing this daily, and notice some changes in your health, please feel free to tell me about it! 🙂 I love success stories!